Many freelance artists have heard the saying, "Don't quit your day job." Although unsettling, the warning reflects the sentiment that freelance artists need to consider the odds on being successful. One of the components of success is that you have to be prepared for anything. That includes a plan to provide you with enough income while you try to build up your freelance business. If you plan on surviving, and eventually thriving, from selling your art, you might find yourself doing more than a few odd jobs along the way.

Set Goals

To survive as a freelance artist, you need to maintain a detailed vision of how you want your career to develop. At the same time each year, create a list of career-related goals you’d like to accomplish in the year ahead. Review the goals you set for yourself in the previous year and write down what you learned from your successes and failures. Each month, write down a description of the projects you’d like to complete. Break down your month long goals into four week increments. Create a vision board for your lifelong career goals, and put it in a prominent place where you can be inspired by your dreams daily.

Create a Schedule

Surviving as a freelance artist requires huge amounts of self-discipline, since there is no one looking over your shoulder to make sure you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing. Just because you’re your own boss doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be a good employee. You don’t have to mimic the hours of a 9 to 5 job, but your schedule should be consistent. Whether you get your best work done between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m., or between 3 p.m. and midnight, work at the same time everyday. Working as a freelance artist means you won’t always know where your next check is coming from. But with a consistent schedule, you’re guaranteed to have enough work completed so that whenever opportunity knocks, you’re well prepared to open the door.

Communicate Your Needs

Many freelance artists work from home and find it difficult to separate family life from their professional life. You must ask your family and friends to respect your work time and space so you can be productive. Ask your spouse, relative or babysitter to corral your children. Ask people not to call during your peak times, and turn your phone off.

Keep Records

As a freelance artist, you will be constantly expanding your repertoire. Always memorialize your work in some way before selling it off. If you’re a visual artist, take detailed pictures of your work. If you’re a musical artist, save copies of all your recordings and lyrics. If you’re a writer, save copies of everything you write. As you expand your repertoire and portfolio, your extensive proof of experience will draw more opportunities your way.

Promote Yourself

Get comfortable talking about your accomplishments. Freelance artists can be introverted and shy, since most of their inspiration comes from a rich interior life. However, no one will know about your wonderful art if you don’t go out and tell people how brilliant you are, and how amazing your art is. Go to parties and other events where you’ll meet other creative types. Carry business cards with you at all times with a link to your website or online portfolio. On occasion, do work for free just to circulate your name and your talent. The right exposure can be priceless.

Save Money

Until you’re rolling in dough, you can stay in the black by keeping your spending down. Bike or use public transportation instead of driving. Cook instead of eating out. Make coffee at home instead of sipping $5 brews. Unplug appliances you aren’t using to save money on your electric bills. And whenever you make a big sale, put money aside for a rainy day.

Pay Taxes

Most of the time, freelancers aren’t required to pay taxes up front. It will be up to you to keep records of all the income you earn, and then pay the appropriate income taxes. Research the tax laws in your state for freelancers. Find out the approximate percentage you’ll be taxed for your average yearly income; take that amount off the top of each sale and set it aside for quarterly payments and tax season.

Stress Busters

Get out of the house and out of your head. Freelancers can be prone to overworking, since they are in control of their own output and income. To many freelancers, enough is never enough and burnout becomes imminent. Make yourself take breaks throughout the day. Talk long walks. Exercise in fresh air. Hang out with friends. Pack your work away and curl up with a good book or an exciting movie. Meditate. Schedule a massage. Create a healthy balance between work and play.

Work it Out

Keep a day job, even if it's just part time. Perhaps you can teach or be a consultant. Since freelancing can have slow periods, your day job will keep you afloat until the next customer comes along.

About the Author

Oubria Tronshaw specializes in topics related to parenting and business. She received a Bachelor of Arts in creative writing from the Santa Fe University of Art and Design, and a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Chicago State University. She currently teaches English at Harper Community College in the Chicago area.

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